Born and raised in Cut Bank, Montana, I was shaped by values centered on accountability, honesty, community, and showing up consistently for others. Those principles continue to guide my work with youth and families today.

 

I earned degrees from the University of Montana in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology, as well as Elementary Education, leading to a career focused on supporting youth and families across both direct-care and system-level settings. I began my work in direct care at Youth Homes in Missoula, where I developed a strong understanding of the day-to-day realities facing youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges.

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I later served for 15 years as a Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer in Missoula, followed by 5 years as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. Much of my work focused on helping identify appropriate placements, coordinating services, and supporting complex decision-making involving youth, families, schools, providers, and community systems. The role required consistent collaboration, long-term problem-solving, and careful attention to what would provide the greatest level of stability and long-term success for each youth.

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Throughout my career, I worked closely with youth experiencing significant behavioral health and substance use challenges, where thoughtful coordination and individualized planning were critical. As Chief, I continued strengthening partnerships across schools, providers, community organizations, and local systems to help improve access to support and intervention services. I was also proud to support efforts that expanded resources for youth and families within the Missoula community, including the Crisis Mobile Program and the Center for Restorative Youth Justice.

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CENTERPOINT Advisory allows me to continue this work in a more direct and personalized capacity—helping families navigate increasingly complex situations with greater structure, coordination, stability, and informed direction.

 

Outside of work, I value time with my family and our dogs, traveling, great concerts, a well-written crime series, and spending time near the water anywhere in Montana.